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Course Description

Course 1
16 weeks

This course is the first of a 18 credit hour certification program which will provide an introduction to the skills used in on-set film production, including all forms of narrative media which utilize film-industry standard organizational structure, professional equipment and on-set procedures.

In addition to the use of topical lectures, PowerPoint presentations, videos and hand-outs, the course will include demonstrations of equipment and set operations as well as hands-on learning experiences. Students will learn: film production organizational structure, job descriptions and duties in various film craft areas, names, uses and protocols related to various pieces of professional on-set film equipment. Students will also learn, through lecture and exercises, how the various film craft related to one-another on a working set, as well as how and why they all must operate in sync. In addition, students will learn skills related to networking and self-marketing.

Schedule:

Syllabus

Students recently graduated from high school with an interest in and/or course work in digital media

Adults with no background in film or media but desiring a career change

Adults with some background working in digital media or film desiring to improve and/or diversify their skill levels

Recent college graduates or current four-year college students majoring in digital media/film who desire to gain hands-on skills

Prerequisites (courses and/or assessment or tests):

working command of oral and written English;

basic math including fractions and decimals;

access to the Internet for surfing and printing

Student Course Materials: Course materials will consist of in-class hand-outs and materials to be downloaded.

Equipment: Students are responsible for their own 3-ring binder, multi-tool, small flashlight, closed toe shoes, pocket notebook and one pair of work gloves.

Course Description: This course is the first of a two-part package leading to a certificate. The course is designed to introduce the production aspect of digital media and film to those with no background as well as students with some experience orcoursework in media production. It will deliver a complete basic skill set in the areas of production planning as well as on-set skills in lighting, grip, sound, camera, art, make-up, wardrobe, script supervision, locations, craft services. You will also learn the role and function of the director and Assistant Directors (AD department). Classes will be split between lecture and hands-on learning. The course will also explore other career opportunities in new digital media and relate course skills to those areas.

There is an online self-assessment for you to take before registering to measure performance in math and English.

Student outcomes

Upon completion of the training program, you will be fully trained and ready to work on a set in an entry-level position. In addition you will obtain a GFA Certification that will further prepare for you for jobs in the following areas:

Art: set dressers, props

Camera: operator, camera assistants

Craft services

Electric: on-set lamp operators

Grip: on-set, dolly grip

Locations: managing

Script supervision procedures

Set or office production assistant

Sound: mixer, boom operator, utility

Assessment will be made on an on-going basis through four quizzes, instructor observed demonstrations of the use of equipment and materials and instructor observed participation in productions. In addition, you will be evaluated on skills and attitude based on a pre-established and communicated criteria.

Are there any constraints (timing issues, legal issues, funding, instructor availability) or parameters (safety, access) that need to be considered?
Limited number of qualified instructors with relevant experience in this area.Safety procedures will need to implemented in the teaching and practiced in the program.